Rockies starter Juan Nicasio was much sharper on Tuesday in a Cactus League start against the Royals. Nicasio, who had struggled much of the spring, allowed just an earned run over five solid innings.
Nicasio, 26, allowed three hits and three walks against the Royals as he struck out four. His biggest mistake was a solo homer to Mike Moustakas in the second inning. He lowered his ERA on the spring from 6.97 to 5.28.
The pitcher credits the development of his changeup for the improvement, reports the Denver Post.
"Because I play at Coors Field. I need something besides my fastball to get them," Nicasio said. "It’s about 83 to 84 (miles per hour) so it can be really good for me." Nicasio also said he's ready to go for the season.
Once a promising prospect, Nicasio hasn't made more than 13 starts in each of his first two seasons due to injuries. He missed most of last season due to knee surgery but is healthy and projects to start the season in the middle of the Colorado rotation.